World Football Gossip Roundup

As word of a super league filters around the world, the gossip pages continue to crank out news.

In this Wednesday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup, the usual suspects again dominate the headlines. Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are all in the news again, and we've also got updates on Roberto Mancini, Fernando Torres and plenty more.

Keep reading for all the details.

Dream Football League Coming to Middle East?

A group of unidentified Middle Eastern sheikhs are planning to offer top clubs "enormous financial inducements" to take part in a 24-team tournament every other year in Qatar and nearby countries, according to an exclusive from The Times.

B/R's Karl Matchett has written a primer on the tournament, which will reportedly be called the Dream Football League.

According to the report, up to 16 of the 24 teams would be "permanent" competitors. Elite clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United would be offered up to £175 million to compete every other year.

The event would need sanctioning from both FIFA and UEFA. 

Monaco Ready to Bid on Wayne Rooney?

AS Monaco are ready to bid on Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, according to the Daily Star.

Monaco, Champions League finalists in 2004, were relegated to France's Ligue 2 in 2011. New billionaire owner Dmitry Rybolovlev reportedly wants to mark the team's expected return to Ligue 1 with a marquee signing like Rooney.

Rooney, a 27-year-old England international, joined United from Everton in 2004. He has scored 11 league goals this season in 20 appearances. 

Agent Tells Cristiano Ronaldo to Stay with Real Madrid Another Year?

Agent Jorge Mendes has advised Cristiano Ronaldo to remain with Real Madrid for another season despite rumored interest from former club Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, according to the Daily Mail.

Ronaldo, 28, joined Real from United in a world-record £80 million transfer in 2009. He has scored 40 goals in all competitions this season.

His contract runs until 2015. 

Zenit St. Petersburg Want Roberto Mancini as Manager

Russian Premier League club Zenit St. Petersburg want Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini to replace Luciano Spalletti, according to the Daily Mirror.

Zenit, the two-time defending Russian champions, spent heavily in the summer but are only third in the table this season. Club officials are thought to be upset with Spalletti's handling of the team.

Mancini signed a new five-year contract last summer but is reportedly under pressure. City are a distant second to leaders Manchester United in the English Premier League table and failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.  

Anzhi Fail to Lure Fernando Torres to Russia?

Anzhi Makhachkala have tried and failed to persuade Spain international striker Fernando Torres to join the club, according to the Daily Mail.

Torres, 28, joined Chelsea for £50 million in January 2011 and has struggled to recreate the form he enjoyed previously at Liverpool. This season, he has scored seven league goals in 28 appearances. 

Quick Kicks

Santos have offered Neymar (pictured) a new contract (via ESPN FC).

Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova will return to the bench on March 25 following treatment in New York for throat cancer (via Marca).

Juventus are set to move for PSG forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who would have to take a paycut to rejoin his former club (via La Gazzetta dello Sport).

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants to sign three players similar in quality to Daniel Sturridge or Philippe Coutinho this summer. He will reportedly have about £20 million to spend (via Daily Telegraph).

Galatasaray fans were caught trying to tunnel into Schalke's stadium on Tuesday night to watch the UEFA Champions League match between the teams (via The Guardian).

Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois wants to remain on loan with Atletico Madrid for a third season (via Sky Sports). 

Follow @MikeCummings37